Tampere was long characterised by a countryside style of life closely linked to local livelihoods and Christian traditions. The customs were guided by a layer of officials and wealthy businessmen. The gentry led a family-centred life, but social calls within the social class were frequent. Servants delivered invitations and people exchanged the latest news and illustrated visiting cards at the parties; men and women had separate salons. The gentry were also united by various social associations and clubs.

The working population had the opportunity to spend their leisure in their own workers' associations. People took pride in being workers of a certain factory; after work they participated in factory parties, fire brigade activities or other recreational activities organised by the factory. The densely built workers' districts boasted a colourful life filled with leisure activities. For example the Pispala dwellers were famous for their self-sufficiency. Each city district had its own story, which continues today.

The migration movement of the Finns in the 1960s took the people from the countryside to cities and simultaneously launched a cultural transition period; the working class adopted middle-class values and the cultures became more similar. There was separation as well, and for example the youth were already in the 1950s starting to engage in their own style of clothing, social intercourse and hobbies, a style that sometimes shocked the older generations.